Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrived at Kuwait International Airport on October 23 where she was received by Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah and Italy’s ambassador to Kuwait Lorenzo Morini. The premier had flown from Rimini after participating in an international conference on addiction prevention and recovery at the San Patrignano community in Italy. ANSA reported that the trip formed part of Meloni’s ongoing engagement with Gulf nations and came at the invitation of the Kuwaiti emir extended some time ago.
The Italian government website listed a bilateral meeting at Bayan Palace with Emir Sheikh Misha’al Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah that also included Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah and the Kuwaiti prime minister. Discussions covered energy cooperation critical infrastructure supply chains and alternative distribution routes alongside major regional and intercontinental corridors. A working dinner hosted by the emir followed the talks and a ceremony for the exchange of agreements.
Italian sources told ANSA that the visit produced the adoption of a bilateral action plan for 2027-2030 to set common priorities across multiple sectors. The two sides also signed an agreement between the Italian Trade Agency and the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority aimed at expanding investments in both directions. In addition the parties defined a memorandum of understanding between Italy’s Carabinieri and Kuwait’s National Guard to strengthen security collaboration.
The defense cooperation agreement between the two countries that entered into force on October 12 provided further framework for the discussions the Italian government noted. ANSA data places this trip as Meloni’s 13th visit to a Gulf state since she took office making her the first Italian prime minister to visit all six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council during a single term. The milestone underscores Italy’s strategic focus on a region vital for energy security and global economic balances according to officials in Rome.
Kuwait’s investments in Italy include the Q8 network that operates around 3000 fuel distribution points along with refining projects and biofuel production in partnership with ENI the Italian government has highlighted in previous statements. Talks also addressed international crises with attention to Iran Yemen freedom of navigation the Israeli-Palestinian situation and Lebanon. Decode39 reported that the conversations sought to advance EU-GCC relations and diversify supply chains amid ongoing regional tensions.
A bilateral defense pact and the new security memorandum build on longstanding military ties between Italy and Kuwait that date back decades. The action plan adopted during the visit seeks to orient future joint work in areas ranging from infrastructure to economic diversification. Italian officials described the engagement as part of a long-term commitment to partnerships that support stability in the Mediterranean and broader Gulf region.
